What goes in to a Graphic Design portfolio for college?

Question

I'm applying to art schools and I've done some stuff with graphic design and I have no idea what to put in my portfolio. I've done things on illustrator, foundation drawings done from observation & still-life, things I did last year in my AP art class, black and white ink drawings done for "basic graphic design" class. I have no idea what to use. Anyone that's applied as a Graphic Design major before know what they used in their portfolio? I'm thinking about RISD, Pratt, and Syracuse if that has any relevance.

Answer 1

When i applied for graphic design they asked us to draw on a certain theme

How about try talking to you art teacher if possible.

What the colleges look for is strong drawing skills, good use of colour, originality, a variety of subjects.

Answer 2

Most schools have guidelines for your portfolio. First you need so many still life, then so many life, and so on. The school will not allow other people's work i.e. superman. You should have a variety of work that shows your talent and your creativity. You should have items that are your best. When you are asked about a piece of your work you should never say well it is the best I could come up with, but remember art is never finished. It is a trick question ;)
So contact the school and ask for a portfolio list and go from there. Good luck art colleges are the best.

Answer 3

I don't know much about applying to an art school, but my boyfriend is attending the art institute in pheonix, arizona. For his portfolio, I believe just included the best of his computer graphics work from illustrator, photoshop and amorphium. You might want to ask you computer graphics teacher to give you their opinion on which of your art works are better. In a Portfolio you want to put your best foot forward so you should pick whatever pieces you think are the best, I hope this helps ^ ^

Answer 4

I would actually recommend contacting the school(s) you are interested in and simply asking what they are looking for and what they consider an acceptable portfolio to be. Explain your work up to this point has been hand drawn, ask if that is okay. The school will be looking for creative potential and skill. They *probably* won't expect you to have many computer designed pieces... because that is why you want to go to their school, to learn graphic design.

Answer 5

Whatever the guidelines you get from the schools to which you wish to apply, be sure to include only the BEST of your best work. Don't think that a large quantity of mediocre work will be better than a small quantity of excellent work.

Whether a buying art director, or an admissions dean, no one is going to waste a lot of time slogging through a couple of dozen substandard pieces. If the first few don't impress, they won't bother with the rest.

Answer 6

Put in what you think portrays your talent and your idea of what design is. i think what you mentioned that you have are excellent pieces to include in your portfolio. You have a good combination to show that your knowledge is much more than one area. You have pieces to show you can draw, that you can function in Illustrator and that you've worked with basic design. Pick what you think are the best and you won't go wrong.

Make sure that it's pleasing to the eye so they see that you're aware of good presentation.

Answer 7

Contact at least one of those schools... they should have a portfolio day where you can speak with representatives from a number of art schools on one day... the representatives will give you feedback on your portfolio. [I'm pretty sure that RISD has such a portfolio day... I know MICA does]

Secondly ask what they require in an applicant portfolio... they may have specific requirements.

good luck

Answer 8

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